Update: 10:00am on 4/5

Well Forrest, I am back here with you in Emory Neuro ICU. I spent three weeks with you in late January.  There were long nights at UVA watching over you in that Neruo ICU, to wakefulness, and the transition to Sheperd in Atlanta. When I flew home in mid February, you were tossing me the ball from the hospital bed. After I left, you made great progress and were up, walking and talking.

There are times in our lives when events out of our control define us in the most intense circumstances. This family has a determination of moving forward, the courage to stand strong in the middle of the swirling unknown, amazing connections to family, friends, and friends we have yet to meet.  My sister and I were walking across a busy street here in Atlanta and she reached out and hooked her arm around mine. As we looked both ways and crossed, I realized how important it is to hook arms and watch out for each other. Our family has been fortunate that we were instilled with that mantra to look out for each other. And as we have moved through our lives we have held fast to that belief. Now we look around and open our vision to those who surround us now in some dark times. I am but a part time visitor to this present circumstance and I amazed at the wonderful support that has come our way. So as you continue to heal and find the path that will lead you back to us, just remember there are a lot of people hooked arm and arm and looking both ways.

Yesterday afternoon you had an MRI scan to compare your last images. There was an area in the frontal part of your brain that need more detail. Last night they did a Contrast MRI that showed a possible abscess in the frontal area of your brain. This is a small pocket of infection that needs to be cleaned out immediately. The surgeon left about an hour ago and discussed the plan with Rae and Kent (via conference call). So they will take the flap off, remove the abscess and clean the area out.  They will leave the flap off for now. The surgery will happen today, they are just waiting for a time slot to open. While we wait, I watch your mom hold your hand and talk to you about coming home to the farm, having a big party and inviting all your friends and wonderful nurses and doctors to come celebrate your recovery.

You are young and strong and courageous. So we will do this and move on. As my brother John says, “work the problem”. We will focus one day at a time and get through this moment and onto the next until we get you home at the farm.

Love Aunt Tricia, Mom, Austin, Kent and all Team 44 members far and wide

“When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.”
- Harriet Beecher Stowe